Parking aside some jaw-dropping action on the cricket pitch, the three-match T20I series between New Zealand and India has also been marred by some mini-controversies, mostly surrounding fans, displaying banners, promoting sexual content- the latest one, directed at Hardik Pandya, the 25-year-old all-rounder, during the second encounter at the renowned Eden Park in Auckland.

Earlier this year, Hardik attended the chat show Koffee With Karan and made some ‘sexist’ comments. Subsequently, he was severely criticised and was handed an indefinite suspension, which was later lifted and he was added to the limited-overs squad for the tour of New Zealand. From the cricketing perspective, he hasn’t flattered to deceive by any stretch of the imagination.

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As far as the controversy is concerned, a girl fan was seen putting up a banner, which was undoubtedly targeted at the Baroda cricketer. She was also moving the banner from one side to the other in order for the cameras to catch hold of it. The banner read, ‘Pandya Aaj Karke Aaya Kya? (Did you do it today).

Here is the video

Not the first instance

In the same match at the Eden Park, another lady was seen putting up a banner, this time pertaining to Scott Kuggelejin, the Black Caps’ all-rounder. The poster read, “Wake up, NZ Cricket, #MeToo”, protesting against Scott’s selection in the team. Back in February 2017, the 27-year-old Northern Districts cricketer was found not guilty of rape in a trial at the Hamilton District Court.

The first game at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington also saw a female supporter showing a banner, with “No Means No” written on it. The ground officials then escorted the woman and confiscated the element. Nevertheless, Richard Boock, the New Zealand Cricket public affairs manager, later apologised for the matter and said that the content didn’t have anything offensive.